Al Nassr striker Cristiano Ronaldo penned an emotional message to his friend and former Portugal national teammate, Pepe, after he announced his retirement from football.
Ronaldo took to his Instagram page to post kind words about the former Porto defender. He said, “There are not enough words to express how much you mean to me, friend.”
“We won everything there was to win on the field, but the greatest achievement is the friendship.”
“It is respect I have for you. You are unique, my brother. Thank you for so much.”
Both players kicked off the era of Real Madrid dominance in European football. While both players were at Real Madrid, they won the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, and every other available trophy in the Spanish La Liga.
Also at the international level, Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe won the Euros and the UEFA Nations Cup.
Sergio Ramos also took to his social media account to send a sincere message to the Portuguese legend after 23 years of his playing career.
Ramos said, “A true warrior. Many matches, wins, and trophies together. It was a pleasure playing alongside you, brother. Enjoy this new stage of your life. I wish you the best, my friend.”
Sergio Ramos and Pepe formed an incredible partnership in the heart of the Real Madrid defense. They were able to stop attackers from scoring at will.
The 41-year-old centre-back made his professional debut at Maritimo in 2001 before making a name for himself at FC Porto.
He moved from FC Porto to Real Madrid in 2007 for a transfer fee worth €30 million. Pepe returned to Porto in 2019.
In Euro 2024, the centre back waved a tearful goodbye to the Portugal national team after he failed to stop France from qualifying for the semi-finals of the tournament.
Pepe ended his glittering career with 737 club appearances and 141 appearances for the Portugal national team.
He was the oldest player to feature in Euro 2024 and the oldest goal scorer in the Champions League for the 2023–24 season.
Pepe was also the first outfield player over 40 years old to play in the knockout stage of the Champions League after he played for Porto against Arsenal.
On the other hand, Cristiano Ronaldo, who is 39 years old, will continue his glittering career with Saudi Arabian Pro League giant Al Nassr.
Even though he struggled to get goals at the international level, Ronaldo has always turned up for his club.
Since he moved to Al Nassr, Ronaldo has scored 64 goals in 70 appearances in all competitions
In the 2024–25 season, the player is more focused on winning silverware.
How old is Cristiano Ronaldo?
The Al Nassr striker was born on February 5, 1985, in the city of Madeira, Portugal. He is currently 39 years old, with a height of 6 feet and 2 inches.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s net worth in 2024
Ronaldo is the third-richest footballer in the world, with a net worth of $500 million. He got this whopping amount of wealth from endorsements, football wages, and bonuses.
